Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s cultural and economic hub and is filled with steep skyscrapers, colonial buildings, and bustling markets. Here are all the best things to do in this capital city.
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Iconic Landmarks
Chances are you’ve seen Kuala Lumpur’s skyline, even if you didn’t know it! The city has no shortage of iconic landmarks and viewpoints.
Petronas Twin Towers
Petronas Twin Towers is a building with two identical 88 story skyscrapers linked by a skybridge connecting the 41st and 42nd floors. Standing at 1,483 feet, it was the tallest building in the world from 1999-2004. You can visit the skybridge and a viewing deck on the 86th floor.
Make sure to visit KLCC park located just a few steps away. This is where you will get the best photos of the towers. It’s also a great place to relax and enjoy nature. The park has two musical fountains that come alive every evening starting around 8 p.m. The 10 minute show is called Lake Symphony and features water, lights, and music in more than 150 different combinations. There are usually five different shows per night.
Merdeka 118 Tower
Erected in 2023, the 2,227 foot Merdeka 188 Tower is the second tallest building in the world. It holds the newly opened Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur hotel. There’s also a seven-story shopping mall inside. Soon you will be able to visit observation decks located at 1,483 feet and in the spire at 2,227 feet.
KL Tower
If you want a little more excitement in your viewing points, look no further than KL Tower. This 1,381 foot tower has not only an indoor observation deck, but also an outdoor sky deck. And if you are truly brave, you can step into a glass sky box extending beyond the sky deck’s ledge. If that’s not enough of a thrill, take the Tower Walk 100 where you walk outside on a glass platform 100 feet above the ground.
Cultural & Historical Sites
Kuala Lumpur has Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous influences. These are reflected in the many cultural and historical sites scattered throughout the city.
Batu Caves
Located just outside of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves is a must for any itinerary. Batu Caves is a limestone hill topped with a Hindu temple. A striking golden statue of the Hindu god Lord Murugan stands at the base of the hill. Long-tailed macaque monkeys are everywhere in the complex. Make sure your snack bags are sealed, or you will get some unwelcome attention!
The site features 400 million year old limestone caves. Climb the colorful rainbow staircase to the Temple Cave. Inside you will see a stunning cathedral-style cave with Hindu shrines and rock formations dappled with filtered sunlight. There are other caves onsite that you should visit as well. Ramanya Cave has dioramas telling the stories from the Ramayana epic. Cave Villa at the base of the hill features a water garden and koi pond. And the Dark Cave spans 1.25 miles into the distance. You can opt for a tour that provides helmets and flashlights to explore its depths.
Thean Hou Temple
Thean Hou Temple is a Chinese temple built by the Hainanese community in Kuala Lumpur. Perched on a hill overlooking the city, the temple features traditional Chinese architecture. It is dedicated to the Chinese goddess of the sea and protector of families.
Inside, you can visit the main prayer halls to light incense and pray for love, marriage, family harmony, success, and protection. There are also special marriage and blessing areas with love locks and Zodiac compatibility boards. Take some time to wander the landscaped courtyards and grounds and admire the turtle pond as well.
National Mosque (Masjid Negara)
Islam is Malaysia’s official religion. About 64% of the population practices the faith. Masjid Negara (National Mosque of Malaysia) is a modern and striking place of worship that holds up to 15,000 people. Non-Muslims are welcome outside of traditional prayer times. You can admire the vast open space and patterned ceilings while learning about Islamic practices and mosque etiquette.
Sultan Abdul Samad Building
The Sultan Abdul Samad Building was constructed in 1897 during British colonial rule. It features striking Moorish architecture and a clock tower often compared to London’s Big Ben. It houses government offices, so you cannot go inside. But it’s a striking building that faces Merdeka Square where Malaysia declared its independence in 1957.
Food & Night Markets
Malaysia is famous for food due to its multicultural population, and street food in Kuala Lumpur can rival fine dining. So definitely plan to visit some food and night markets during your trip!
Jalan Alor Night Food Street
Jalan Alor Night Food Street is a neon-lit street with hawker stalls and communal tables. It’s the most famous open-air food strip in Kuala Lumpur. It’s must -visit for Chinese-style dishes with seafood, noodles, grilled meats, and satay skewers.
Petaling Street Market
Petaling Street Market is located in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown and is one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. There’s plenty of delicious Chinese food to sample. This area is also great for shopping, with covered market stalls selling souvenirs and bargain priced merchandise. You can also visit temples, clan houses, and herbal shops in the area.
Little India
Located in the Brickfields neighborhood, Kuala Lumpur’s Little India is filled with spice shops, sari stores, jewelry shops, flower gardens, and more. If you love Indian food, this is the best place in the city to get it. Try banana-leaf meals, dosas, idli, and curries while immersed in Indian culture.
Central Market
Looking for Malaysia’s arts, crafts, and souvenirs? Then make your way to Central Market. It is located in a historic Art Deco building from the 1880s. Shop for pewter, Borneo pearls, Malay kites, batik fabric, and much more from the 350+ stalls. And if you get hungry, you can find Malaysian foods such as nasi kandar, goreng pisang, or ais kacang from the many hawker stalls.
Nature Experiences
Even though Kuala Lumpur is a huge city, there are plenty of unique nature experiences you can enjoy.
KL Eco Forest Canopy Walk
Imagine a lush forest in the middle of a skyscraper-filled city. Unusual, huh? Well that’s what you get at KL Eco Forest. This park by KL Tower has over 200 tree and wildlife species. Enjoy the various hiking trails. Better yet, try the Canopy Walk where you can explore the tree tops from above and catch a glimpse of the city surrounding the reserve.
Perdana Botanical Gardens
Just outside Kaula Lumpur’s city center is Perdana Botanical Gardens. This tranquil space has lush tropical gardens, lakes, and plenty of shady walking paths. Some not-to-be-missed areas of the park are the orchid garden, hibiscus garden, and a birdpark.
Firefly Boat Tour in Kuala Selangor
While not located directly in the city, the Firefly Boat Tour in Kuala Selangor is one of the most magical experiences in Malaysia. The boat tour is on the Selangor River which is a little over an hour away from Kuala Lumpur. You will drift along in a small boat through mangrove forest while thousands of fireflies glow in unison above your head.
You can make your way to Kampung Kuantan Firefly Park via bus, taxi, ride-share, or rental car. But it’s probably easier to book a group tour. There are tons of options!
Sunway Lagoon Theme & Water Park
Sunway Lagoon Theme & Water Park is Malaysia’s most famous amusement parks. Located just outside the city, it features a water park, amusement park, extreme sports park, wildlife park, and a haunted “scream” park. There’s something here for everyone! If you are visiting Kuala Lumpur with teens, I highly recommend spending one day here.
Museums
Like many big cities, Kuala Lumpur has many museums worth visiting. Here are some of the best to add to your itinerary:
- Islamic Arts Museum – showcases more than 7,000 Islamic artifacts like textiles, calligraphy, and ceremics.
- National Museum of Malaysia – provides a deep dive into the history of Malaysia from prehistoric to modern times.
- Bank Negara Malaysia Museum & Art Gallery – contains exhibits on Malaysia’s financial history and coinage, and also features contemporary art.
- National Art Gallery – the place to see Malaysian art with rotating exhibits highlighting local artists.
- National Textile Museum – displays Malaysian textiles, batik, weaving techniques, and fashion heritage.
- Petrosains, the Discovery Centre – an interactive science and technology museum.
- Museum of Illusions – a 3D art museum full of visual illusions.
- National Science Centre – a science museum focusing on technology, the environment, and space.
What’s on your Kuala Lumpur itinerary?
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